Social media has been home to more than a few hoax stories in recent years. These stories are passed around various networks like wildfire, only for it to eventually be known that they are nothing short of fake. Online marketing companies can see why they are so popular, given how they bring sensationalized detail to the forefront. Does this necessarily mean that they have to be so rampant, resulting in people continually taking the proverbial bait?
From what I have seen, it's simply a matter of exercising care on social media, as well as the Internet in general. While online marketing companies might not be able to prevent the creation of these articles, they can offer some of the best insight for casual and experienced social networking individuals alike. How can you stay wary of these hoax stories, you may wonder? With the help of reputable firms such as fishbat, here are 3 methods worth carrying out.
Before anything else, understand that anything posted on social media should be treated with healthy skepticism. This is nothing short of important, especially when you consider that these publications get passed around relatively quickly. With this in mind, do not always believe that's shown on your wall. As a matter of fact, being skeptic might actually help you keep these stories away from your attention, in favor of more reputable publications.
Investigation is yet another step that you should take. As a matter of fact, one can argue that it's the most important, seeing as how it will help you better understand just how truthful a story is. If a particular article hasn't been covered by the major news outlets people know about, chances are that it's a hoax. Nonetheless, before you make assumptions one way or another, take it upon yourself to get involved in a bit of research.
Finally, if you see a friend of yours share a hoax story - and you know, for a fact, that it's illegitimate - don't be afraid to bring solid information to their attention. You do not necessarily have to do this on their wall or page, since private messaging is typically more effectively. This way, you will not call out the other person, potentially embarrassing them in the process. Exercise care, as far as this is concerned, and the impact of hoax stories will not be felt as much.
From what I have seen, it's simply a matter of exercising care on social media, as well as the Internet in general. While online marketing companies might not be able to prevent the creation of these articles, they can offer some of the best insight for casual and experienced social networking individuals alike. How can you stay wary of these hoax stories, you may wonder? With the help of reputable firms such as fishbat, here are 3 methods worth carrying out.
Before anything else, understand that anything posted on social media should be treated with healthy skepticism. This is nothing short of important, especially when you consider that these publications get passed around relatively quickly. With this in mind, do not always believe that's shown on your wall. As a matter of fact, being skeptic might actually help you keep these stories away from your attention, in favor of more reputable publications.
Investigation is yet another step that you should take. As a matter of fact, one can argue that it's the most important, seeing as how it will help you better understand just how truthful a story is. If a particular article hasn't been covered by the major news outlets people know about, chances are that it's a hoax. Nonetheless, before you make assumptions one way or another, take it upon yourself to get involved in a bit of research.
Finally, if you see a friend of yours share a hoax story - and you know, for a fact, that it's illegitimate - don't be afraid to bring solid information to their attention. You do not necessarily have to do this on their wall or page, since private messaging is typically more effectively. This way, you will not call out the other person, potentially embarrassing them in the process. Exercise care, as far as this is concerned, and the impact of hoax stories will not be felt as much.
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